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South Lopham mum enlists the help of community to build ‘Elf Village’ out of bark and tree roots




A South Lopham mum has enlisted the support of the community to create her own miniature winter wonderland this year.

Rona Reeder has spent that past 12 months building 27 elf houses out of bark, tree roots and other bits of woodland that have been donated to her by villagers.

The care worker, who is selling Christmas trees from her farm this festive season, is inviting residents to explore the elf village as they shop for their trees, with a donation box on hand to raise money for local causes.

Mrs Reeder was inspired to take on the project after finding a glue gun lying around in her home. Picture: Mecha Morton
Mrs Reeder was inspired to take on the project after finding a glue gun lying around in her home. Picture: Mecha Morton

Mrs Reeder explained how the idea to create the houses, which range from one to two feet tall, first came about after finding a glue gun knocking about at home.

“It all started just after Christmas when I discovered the wonders of a glue gun,” she said.

“I started making this elf house out of twigs and natural woodland bits I picked up on dog walks.

The elf houses are on full display for people who come to visit Mrs Reeder's farm, which is selling Christmas trees, during the festive period. Picture by Mecha Morton.
The elf houses are on full display for people who come to visit Mrs Reeder's farm, which is selling Christmas trees, during the festive period. Picture by Mecha Morton.

“It made me think that when we got out of lockdown, I’d like to make something magical for people.”

Before she knew it, villagers had caught wind of her project and began stopping by her farm along the A1066 to donate materials that could be used for the elf village.

“Everybody has got so excited,” said Mrs Reeder, who is in her 50s.

The elf village contains 27 houses in total. Picture by Mecha Morton.
The elf village contains 27 houses in total. Picture by Mecha Morton.

“I had eight friends spend an afternoon helping to make houses. One lovely gentlemen, who does wood-turning, has made some beautiful mushrooms, and another friend has helped with the electrics to make sure it’s all safe.”

Not to be left out, her husband David and 28-year-old son George spent the past six weeks creating a blackout room inside the barn, where the Elf village is located.

With the project finally completed this week, Mrs Reeder is inviting people to go and see the village for themselves, while they pick out their Christmas tree.

Mrs Reeder’s husband, David, and son, George, spent weeks building a blackout room for the elf village. Picture: Mecha Morton
Mrs Reeder’s husband, David, and son, George, spent weeks building a blackout room for the elf village. Picture: Mecha Morton

All proceeds from the display will go towards St Andrew’s Church, in South Lopham, and a local family, who will be undergoing a missionary trip to Peru next year.

Mrs Reeder’s elf village is open at Lime Tree Farm from tomorrow until December 22, between 9.30am and 5.30pm each day.



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